Seeds for gut health: Prebiotic potential of seed mucilages from Chia, Fenugreek, Basil, Mustard, and Flaxseed and their impact on adult and toddler's gut microbiome

The present study investigated the effects of seed mucilage on the gut microbial community and its impact on toddler (young child; 6–24 month) and adult gut health. In this study, we extracted seed mucilages from selected seeds (chia, fenugreek, basil, mustard, and flaxseed) and examined their prebiotic properties via the amylase degradation assay and impact on the growth of various probiotic cultures (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus). The findings demonstrate that seed mucilages are rich in indigestible carbohydrates and can enhance probiotics. The effects of seed mucilages on gut communities were analyzed using an in vitro fecal fermentation model, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing and the assessment of produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; butyrate, propionate, and acetate). Analysis of mucilage-treated samples revealed enhanced SCFA production, which is critical for gut health and systemic metabolic functions. Microbiome analysis indicated that seed mucilages significantly (p < 0.05) enhance the abundance of beneficial fiber degraders and SCFA producers, such as Lachnospiraceae ND3007, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, and Butyricicoccus, while limiting pro-inflammatory Escherichia–Shigella. Among the seed mucilages, only mustard seed mucilage was found to enhance the probiotic Bifidobacterium in both adults and toddlers. Mucilage treatment also positively affected various metabolisms related to microbial growth and amino acid synthesis, which are also significantly correlated with mucilage-induced microbes. Fenugreek and mustard seed mucilages were observed to be distinctly effective in inhibiting microbes from the Proteobacteria phylum and Escherichia–Shigella genera. Overall, our study highlights the potential of seed mucilage as an effective prebiotic that improves gut microbiome composition and metabolic outcomes.